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Ignoring my cold look, Zoe said, “Kira, you’re my bestie. You kick ass. I’ll never say different, and I’ll fucking cut anyone who argues that fact. But one thing you are terrible at is seeing what’s right in front of your stupid face.”

Rolling my eyes, I said, “And what is that?”

“That Wyatt is more than just your brother’s friend and a colleague. You’re fighting so hard to win this show, but you’re fighting even harder to ignore that simple fact.”

“It’s not a hard fight, because he isn’t,” I argued.

“You make my case for me. Stop pretending this guy is here to annoy you and boss you around. He is risking his own life to keep you safe and help you survive this.

“I don’t know why you’ve got this big hang-up about him. Is it because he’s a lone wolf? I have to be honest, that shit makes no sense to non-wolf shifter types like me. Like, he’s a wolf shifter. Why does it matter if he doesn’t have a pack? Really weird, but that’s beside the point. What I’m getting at is he’s a good alpha to have in your corner. And from the way you’ve been checking him out, he must be good at something else, too.”

“Zoe.” I jerked my head around to gawk at her. “No. We aren’t going there.”

Zoe raised an eyebrow. “Mm-hmm. You’re blushing, Kira.”

I threw my towel at her. “Can you shut up and help me get dressed?”

She did, drying my hair, getting me into my new outfit, and removing and then applying my makeup. When she was done, I checked myself in the mirror. I looked great.

Turning back to her, I put my hands on her shoulders. “I’m really glad you’re here. I’d go crazy if you weren’t with me. I’ve got all this chaos and danger swirling around me, not to mention a bunch of horny alphas. I don’t know if I ever properly thanked you for being my stylist. So, thank you.”

“Aww,” Zoe said. “She does have a heart.”

“Very funny. I’m gonna go get lunch, you asshole.”

Chuckling, I gave her a quick hug before I left the suite. Thankfully, there was no guard at the door this time. I was getting really tired of having a suit-clad block of muscle escort me everywhere.

Once I was downstairs, I was greeted with a nice sight. It seemed that all the guys who’d been hurt had been healed.

Mika was staring at a salad, and apart from his typical moodiness, he looked completely fine. Tate was munching on a sandwich, and J.D. was talking to Leif near the buffet. I was so glad J.D. was okay. The possession had wiped him out. He was one of the few alphas here who was a good guy.

He leaned closer to Leif and laughed before draping his arm across his shoulders. Leif’s eyes widened, and he looked my way, catching my eye.

I raised a questioning eyebrow and grinned. In response, Leif gave me a single stern shake of the head that told me to drop it. Whatever was going on there would take a little more time to develop.

Acting like I hadn’t noticed them, I grabbed a plate and piled it high with pasta and salad, then turned to find a seat. The first thing I noticed was Wyatt sitting alone, an empty plate in front of him. He was looking at me, his eyes dark and stormy. Apparently, he was still pissed at me for trying to send him home. Well, I was still pissed at him for not going home. I couldn’t think of another reason for him to look so angry. That was fine, though. Let him be mad. I was secure in the knowledge that I’d been doing the right thing and he’d been an idiot for passing up the opportunity.

Finding a seat near a window far away from Wyatt’s gaze, I started eating but didn’t get far. My bracelet flashed from white to green, and I barely suppressed my groan. Back on stage, it seemed. From behind me, I heard the faint whooshing of the cameras returning. When I turned my head, I was greeted by Von Thornton’s shimmering white smile.

“How is everyone feeling after the big outing?” he asked as he stepped into the room.

The big outing? Is that what he called it when a man died, and the rest of us came damn close? The people running this show were completely out of touch.

Still, I grinned back at him and gave the camera a thumbs-up. It made me die a little inside.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt your lunch, but our final contestant has arrived, and I couldn’t wait any longer to introduce him.”

“Okay, let’s meet this guy,” Omar called.

Von nodded to him. “A man who isn’t afraid of a little competition. I like that. Without further ado, I present the final contestant on this year’s season of The Reject Project.”

Von stepped aside, and the newest contestant entered the room. My fork fell from my suddenly numb fingers, and a pit formed in my stomach. Jerking my head toward Wyatt, I saw him looking at me, his lip curled in disgust. He gave me a slight shake of the head.

Gavin Fell, Jayson’s little brother, shook hands with Von. Panic flared hot in my chest. Gavin? Seriously? The man who had been moments away from being my brother-in-law was the final contestant? Would he tell everyone that he knew me? Or worse, would he tell everyone that Wyatt and I knew each other?

I picked my fork up absently, gripping it like a weapon. I was overwhelmed with the urge to rush Gavin and attack him, and I barely managed to tamp it down. I was still furious at his family for what they’d done to me. I was only on this fucking island because of Jayson and his father.

Before I could do anything but stare at him dumbly, Gavin addressed the room. “Hey, everyone. It’s great to be here. I’m sorry I’m late, but I’ve been watching the live stream. So, I understand you’ve lost a few contestants already.” He bowed his head. “I’m really sorry to hear that. I’m sure they were great guys.”